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Your Favorite Writing Books?

6/19/2013

9 Comments

 
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Are you one of those writers who can’t resist the latest book on the writing craft? I am. All someone has to do is mention a craft book and I’m headed to the bookstore.

My current favorites are:

Writing the Breakout Novel, by Donald Maas.

This book addresses the story stakes, meaningful characters and much, much more. All of Maass’ craft books are worthwhile.

Story, by Robert McKee.  Analysis of story structure, character and emotional arcs.

How to Write a Damn Good Novel, by James Frey. The king of conflict takes us back to the basics of dramatic storytelling. You literary novelists out there would find this useful as well.

Story Engineering and Story Physics, by Larry Brooks. Brooks uses the rules of screenwriting to help novelists shape their stories, that and much more. As with Donald Maas, all of Larry’s books are worth reading.

Scene and Structure, by Jack Bickham. How to orchestrate story between scene and sequel. Alas, I keep hearing about this one from my fellow critiquers.

Honorable mention goes to:

If You Want to Write, by Brenda Ueland, for inspiration.

Writing Down the Bones, By Natalie Goldberg, for free writes.

Bird by Bird, by Annie Lamott, for shitty first drafts.

What are your favorite writing books?


9 Comments
Marilyn Levinson link
6/19/2013 08:39:32 am

more favorite writing books:
Immediate Fiction by Jerry Cleaver
On Writing by Stephen King
I also like many of the ones already mentioned.

Reply
Sarah Negovetich link
6/19/2013 08:43:49 am

Donald Maass's breakout novel workbook companion is genius. I'm also a lover of Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Reply
Lily Gardner
6/19/2013 10:13:51 am

I love his workbook as well. Just heard about Save the Cat—am really looking forward to reading that one. Thanks!

Reply
Kathleen Magner link
6/19/2013 08:55:54 am

I totally agree with Sarah on the Breakout Novel workbook. I also enjoyed the First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman, especially the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Reply
Lily Gardner
6/19/2013 10:19:18 am

I read the First Five a million years ago—I'll go back and reacquaint myself with it. Thanks!

Reply
Susan Goldner link
6/19/2013 10:37:40 am

I have all the same favorites you mentioned, Lily. But I'd add two more: Lajos Egri - The Art of Dramatic Writing (this was my first craft book) and The Writing Life by Annie Dillard--which is one that picks me up when I'm down and out

Reply
Lily Gardner
6/19/2013 11:24:38 am

Thanks Susan! Yes, Egri is great. I'm going to revisit Annie Dillard.

Reply
Evelyn Cullet link
6/20/2013 07:30:40 am

I've read most of the books you've mentioned, and have gone on the Donald Maass Writing the Breakout Novel weekend seminar. While I thought he gave me a lot of insights, what really helped me the most was a small book titled, "Rivet Your Readers With Deep Point of View", by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. It was well worth the price.

Reply
Lily Gardner
6/20/2013 11:56:39 am

Thanks Evelyn. I've never heard of this one. I'm ordering it right away.

Reply



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    Lily Gardner

    Portland writer of noir mysteries.

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